The Commission for Communications Regulation has decided to permit the use of mobile phone interceptor base stations by licensed mobile network operators if they wish to install them as part of their network. ComReg says this is in response to legitimate demand by specific organisations, including prison and hospital groups.
Interceptors allow the creation of 'quiet zones', where mobile phones will not ring, but where calls can still be made to the emergency services or to lists of approved numbers.
The 'quiet zones' are different from 'jammers', which prevent all calls, including emergency calls, by interfering with mobile phone networks. Jammers are actually illegal under Irish and European laws.
ComReg says the use of interceptors must remain entirely voluntary and should be based on a commercial arrangement between the parties involved.
